Navigating Wealth Should I Sell to Private Equity or Strategic Buyers? ft. Eric Wiklendt | Navigating Wealth
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Jan 21, 2026 In this engaging conversation, Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Spayside Equity, dives deep into the complexities of selling businesses. He outlines the three main exit strategies for founders and emphasizes the importance of operational improvements in private equity. Eric contrasts private equity with corporate M&A and explains when strategic buyers might offer more value. With insights on the current manufacturing landscape, he discusses the impacts of AI and reshoring, all while highlighting the need for creative talent in an evolving economy.
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Multiple Exit Paths For Transformed Manufacturers
- Exits for mid-market manufacturing can include strategics, larger PE, continuation vehicles, or IPOs.
- Well-transformed $100M–$500M manufacturing businesses attract broad buyer interest.
Tell PE Firms Your Liquidity Plans Early
- Communicate early about founders' liquidity preferences and retirement plans.
- Give PE partners 6–18 months' notice so they can structure around planned exits or rollovers.
Use Continuations Only When Value Remains
- Use continuation vehicles to give liquidity while keeping control when an asset has more runway.
- Avoid continuation deals driven mainly to manufacture realized returns at the expense of existing LPs.